Two die in attack on poll convoy

SUSPECTED Islamic militants ambushed the well-guarded campaign convoy of the Kashmir tourism minister yesterday, leaving two members of her security unit dead and three others injured, police said.

Sakina Yatoo, who is also a candidate in elections that begin today was travelling with dozens of soldiers and paramilitary forces near her constituency of Damhal-Hanjipora when the attack came. A remote-controlled bomb exploded under one of the escort vehicles and an unknown number of guerrillas opened fire, said T Acharya, a spokesman for the paramilitary Border Security Force.

Yatoo, a member of the ruling National Conference party, was not injured. Elections in her constituency will be held on October 1. The crucial state elections are spread out across four dates September 16 and 24, October 1 and 8. The militants, fighting for Kashmir's independence from India or its merger with Pakistan since 1989, have demanded a boycott of the elections in India's only Muslim majority state. They have killed nearly 100 political activists this year, including a government minister last week.

The Indian government is hoping transparent and violence-free elections will diminish support for the Islamic insurgents. Hundreds of thousands of security forces were on high alert yesterday following threats of suicide attacks by the separatist guerrillas during voting.

"The anti-sabotage teams have taken over," sweeping polling booths, surrounding areas and nearby roads for militants and explosives, said Chewang Phunsog, the state's principal home secretary. In earlier attacks, suspected Islamic rebels fired gunshots overnight at several posts of the Border Security Force. However, no injuries were reported. Candidates campaigned from door to door yesterday, many of them wearing bulletproof jackets that were distributed by authorities.

Army, paramilitary and police teams searched polling booths for booby traps and remote-controlled devices. Despite the security measures, authorities still expect guerrilla attacks during the voting, which is considered crucial for the future of the Himalayan state.